Nursing Home for Senior Citizens (Nhsc) Act

: Senale Office of the sorcerap TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) FEB -5 P3:49 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. B. No. 1779 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NURSING HOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN EVERY REGION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution directs that "the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost," giving priority to "the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children." According to recent studies, Filipino families remain the most common providers of care for older persons, but they face significant challenges when older family members become frail or dependent. The State has long recognized the importance of caring for its elderly citizens, as seen in the passage of laws which grant privileges and benefits to senior citizens. However, there remains a gap in shelter facilities and comprehensive care programs for homeless or neglected senior citizens. Many localities lack adequate facilities to house and care for them, underscoring the need for an institutionalized nursing home system that provides not just shelter, but holistic care and rehabilitation. This bill therefore seeks to establish and institutionalize a Nursing Home for Senior Citizens in every region in the country to assist families in providing for the

special needs and demands of the elderly. Through this measure, the government will establish a nursing home, or a network of nursing homes, that will serve as safe, humane, and dignified facilities for senior citizens in need. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO

senate ffice of the Sceretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 26 FEB -5 P3:49 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. B. No. 1779 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NURSING HOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN EVERY REGION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - The Act shall be known as the "Nursing Home for

2 Senior Citizens (NHSC) Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just

5 and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the 6 nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social 7 services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. While the family has the duty to care for its elderly members, the State may also do so through just programs of social security. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to provide nursing homes for senior citizens in every city and municipality in the country with quality and affordable care and nursing facilities for elderly Filipinos.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Care refers to the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements of the senior citizens;

1 (b) Nursing Home for Senior Citizens refers to the place and facilities designed to 2 provide skilled care to the elderly, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week; and 5 (C) Senior Citizen refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) 6 years old.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Nursing Home for Senior Citizens. - There

9 shall be established a Nursing Home for Senior Citizens in every region to be managed 10 and operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

SEC. 5. Services of NHSC. - The NHSC shall provide senior citizens with the

following services: a. Comfortable living spaces; b. Adequate food and clothing; c. Personal and custodial care; d. Medical consultation, treatment, and monitoring; e. Health care; f. Social and recreational activities; g. Occupational opportunities; h. Counseling; i. Family dialogue; j. Case conferences; k. Literacy education; 1. Religious, cultural, and vocational activities; and m. Such other similar services.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DSWD, National

Commission of Senior Citizens and other concerned agencies and entities, shall promulgate the rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than ninety (90) days after its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions

2 of this Act shall be included in the Genera! Appropriations Act of the year following its 3 enactment into law and every year thereafter.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - In the event any provision of this Act or the

6 application of such provision is declared invalid, the remainder of this Act or the 7 application of the said provision shall not be affected thereby.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

14 publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. Approved,